inflation
- Loudoun County Data Examines Teacher Pay Growth Versus CPI
Loudoun County Public Schools released data comparing teacher average salary growth to Consumer Price Index trends in a recent presentation.
- Average Residential Bills Toward $315 by 2039 as Data-Center Load Dominates
Unconstrained Demand cites Dominion figures taking typical residential bills from about $142.77 now to $315.25 by 2039 — primarily on data-center sector energy needs — while JLARC separately pegs $14–$37 monthly generation and transmission cost pressure by 2040.
- Lawmakers Eye Fix for 1% School Construction Sales Tax as 47 Localities Head to Voters
Newport News officials warn the 20-year sunset may not line up with bond issuance; Simonds and Rasoul open to more flexibility.
- Survey Finds Majority of Virginia Families With Children Face Food Insecurity
State-commissioned poll fills gap left by ended USDA hunger survey; food banks report rising demand and thinner donations.
- Meeting Unconstrained Virginia Data-Center Power Demand Will Be “Very Difficult” — Households Face Rising System Costs
December 2024 JLARC Report 598 finds unconstrained demand could double Virginia power need in a decade, new build rates look unachievable, and Dominion residential customers could see $14–$37 more per month in generation and transmission costs by 2040.
- Valley Link’s 765 kV Northern Line Is PATH Reborn — Aimed at Loudoun Data Centers, Critics Say
RICHMOND / LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — A roughly 260-mile, 765-kilovolt transmission line from West Virginia into Maryland — the northern spine of PJM’s Valley Link portfolio — is being pitched as new reliability steel.
- Construction Cost Inflation Strains Virginia State Capital Projects
Post-COVID construction inflation has established a higher cost baseline for Virginia state projects, with further increases projected amid labor and market pressures.
- Wittman and Taylor Clash in VA-01 as National Spotlight Hits Virginia Midterms
Healthcare votes, H.R. 1 fallout and data-center costs define a district Trump won in 2024 but Spanberger carried in 2025.
- With United States House control hanging in the balance, Wittman faces Taylor in contentious Virginia-01 race
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, left, is running for reelection in Virginia's 1st Congressional District, as Democratic challenger Shannon Taylor aims to unseat him.
- Fed raises interest rates for first time in 3 years, battling persistent inflation
Kevin Warsh, now chair of the Federal Reserve, testifies during his Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs confirmation hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on April 21, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve raised interest rates Wednesday for the first time in three years as inflation continues to dog the economy, largely driven by soaring gas and fuel oil prices while the war in Iran drags on.
- Virginia House Bill 47 Aims to Expand Tax Relief for Military and Foreign Service Retirees
House Bill 47, which seeks to broaden state income tax subtractions for retirement benefits earned by uniformed services and United States Foreign Service officers, has been left in the House Finance Committee as the 2026 legislative session progresses.
- State revenues climb 2.8% in August, remain ahead of forecast
Gov. Abigail Spanberger's administration reported that Virginia’s general fund revenues rose 2.8% in August and remained ahead of the state’s forecast through the first two months of fiscal 2027.
- Kelly Convirs-Fowler House Bill 188 Millionaire Income Tax Stalls in Committee
RICHMOND, VA – A proposal to impose a new 10 percent income tax bracket on earnings exceeding $1 million stalled in the House Finance Committee during the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session, after being incorporated into a broader tax measure that also failed to advance. House Bill 188, introduced by Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler of Virginia
- David Reid House Bill 183 Expands First-Time Home Buyer Savings Plan
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia House of Delegates has overwhelmingly approved House Bill 183, a measure designed to enhance the state’s First-Time Home Buyer Savings Plan by expanding eligible properties and doubling contribution limits, signaling strong legislative momentum toward bolstering individual pathways to homeownership. Introduced by Delegate David Reid on January 14, 2026, after being
- Dan Helmer House Bill 184 All-Payer Claims Database Evaluation Passes Senate
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Senate gave unanimous approval to House Bill 184 on March 4, 2026, passing the measure with a 40-0 block vote after adopting a substitute from the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. The legislation directs the Virginia Department of Health, in consultation with Virginia Health Information, to conduct a comprehensive evaluation
- Michael Feggans Gold Star Spouse Property Tax Exemption Passes House Unanimously; Senate Delays Action
RICHMOND, Virginia – Legislation aimed at providing complete property tax relief for surviving spouses of fallen Armed Forces members cleared the Virginia House of Delegates with unanimous acclaim.
- Data Center Bills Dominated This Year's General Assembly. Here's What Passed.
The rapid growth of Virginia’s data center industry was a key point of focus during the 2026 legislative session, as lawmakers sought to balance the sector’s benefits — including over $80 billion in state investments and thousands of jobs — against its enormous electricity and water needs, which are a growing concern for communities statewide. Legislators filed dozens of bills directly aimed at re
- Obamacare enrollment declines in 49 states; Virginia saw 8% drop
In 49 states, the number of people enrolled in Obamacare plans has declined since Congress made coverage more expensive by allowing federal subsidies to expire at the end of last year. The lone exception was New Mexico, the only state that has used its own money to fully replace the expired aid, according to a […]
- Balancing optimism and caution, Spanberger says Virginia’s revenues grew $2.1 billion in fiscal year 2026
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday highlighted Virginia’s financial wins in the fiscal year that ended in July, touting a general revenue fund that increased by $2.1 billion, record investments in public services and a new energy consumption tax lawmakers levied on data centers that is projected to add $600 million to the commonwealth’s coffers in […]
- Governor Spanberger Proposes $5 Million for New Digital Bureaucracy, Raising Fiscal Concerns
Governor Abigail Spanberger has proposed a brand new allocation of five million dollars in the upcoming state budget to fund a newly created digital services team. This initiative, aimed at overhauling state agency operations and addressing technical challenges, represents a fresh expansion of the state government apparatus. Fiscal conservatives across Virginia are already raising questions […]
- Virginia General Revenues Rise Despite Slowing Job Growth
Virginia general revenues have grown substantially in December even as employment growth has slowed both nationally and within the state. Data presented at a Virginia State Senate meeting showed total General Fund revenues increasing notably during the month. Year-to-date collections reached approximately 1.2 billion dollars above the prior year level. This represents an 8.6 percent […]
- Virginia Democrats Push $17 Million Eviction Prevention Program Amid Budget Bloat Concerns
Virginia lawmakers are advancing a new state budget that includes a massive $17 million allocation for eviction prevention assistance, sparking immediate concerns among fiscal conservatives. This hefty provision is tucked inside House Bill 30, which proponents are calling the Affordable Virginia Budget for the upcoming fiscal years. While advocates claim the funding is necessary to […]
- Virginia’s Ballooning Budget: Across-the-Board Salary Hikes Threaten Taxpayers
The 2026-2028 biennium budget finalized by Governor Abigail Spanberger and Democratic lawmakers features massive 3.5% annual across-the-board pay raises for state employees. This sweeping compensation package shifts away from previous fiscally conservative proposals and places a heavier, permanent financial burden on Virginia taxpayers. The aggressive spending plan impacts all state agencies and s
- Virginia Secures Standard Deduction Increase for 2027, Urges Focus on Spending Cuts
Virginia taxpayers will see a modest but vital reprieve from heavy state taxation following a legislative agreement to increase the standard tax deduction starting in the 2027 tax year. Under the newly established financial framework, single filers will see their base deduction rise from $8,750 to $9,200. Joint filers will simultaneously enjoy a proportional increase, […]
- Prince William County Supervisors Adopt Budget with Reduced Real Estate Tax Rate
The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors recently approved a fiscal year budget that reduces the real estate tax rate while simultaneously expanding funding for local schools and public safety. Following extensive public hearings, the board voted to lower the real estate tax rate from $0.906 to $0.865 per $100 of assessed value for […]
- Manassas Park FY2027 Budget Funds Three Specialized City Positions Amid Overall Reductions
The City of Manassas Park has officially outlined its fiscal priorities for the upcoming year, placing a distinct focus on expanding specialized municipal staff. Within the newly structured FY2027 budget, local officials have secured funding for three new full-time positions aimed at modernizing city operations. These roles include an Enterprise System Administrator, an Emergency Operations […]
- Taxpayers on the Hook: The $115 Million James Madison University Expansion Driving Up State Spending
Virginia taxpayers are facing another massive bill as lawmakers consider a staggering $115.3 million allocation to expand a single building at James Madison University. This proposed expenditure, slated for the FY2027 budget, targets the College of Health and Behavioral Studies for a massive footprint increase. Fiscal conservatives are raising alarms over the sheer scale of […]
- Loudoun County Adopts $5.4 Billion Budget with Major Funding Increase for Public Schools
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors recently approved a comprehensive fiscal year 2027 budget totaling over five billion dollars. This expansive financial plan features a significant increase in department spending, most notably through fully funding a requested increase for the local public school system. During an April business meeting, officials voted unanimously to adopt the […]
- Loudoun County FY2027 Budget Allocates $28.5 Million for Employee Compensation Increases
Loudoun County officials have officially unveiled the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, which heavily prioritizes long-term workforce retention and recruitment through substantial compensation enhancements. At the center of this comprehensive financial plan is a $28.5 million allocation specifically designated for employee pay increases across multiple municipal departments. County Administrator T
- Virginia Taxpayers Forced to Foot $17.6 Million Bill for Rapid Rehousing Following Federal Cuts
The state of Virginia is preparing to shoulder a massive financial burden as federal funding for housing programs dries up, forcing local taxpayers to foot the bill. Lawmakers are currently pushing a massive $17.6 million allocation for rapid rehousing efforts in the upcoming biennial budget to cover the sudden gaps left by Washington. Fiscal conservatives […]
- Virginia Pension Reforms Save Taxpayers $171.4 Million Amid Calls for Fiscal Restraint
The Virginia Retirement System recently reported a notable improvement in the aggregate funded status for local political subdivision pension plans, reaching ninety-two percent for the upcoming fiscal cycle. This financial milestone leaves an eight percent unfunded pension liability that continues to require stable employer contribution rates heading into fiscal year 2027. Thanks to these improved
- Virginia Taxpayers Burdened with Sweeping State Employee Raises in New Biennium Budget
The newly finalized Virginia budget for the 2026-2028 biennium places a massive financial burden on hardworking taxpayers to fund sweeping salary increases for government workers. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently signed off on a spending plan that mandates a 3.5 percent annual salary increase for state employees and state-supported local employees across the board. Additionally, the […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Face Continued Spending Surge with $98.4 Million Education Supplement
Virginia lawmakers are advancing a massive spending initiative that includes a $98.4 million one-time supplement to the At-Risk Add-On program for public school divisions. This latest financial maneuver is officially intended to address specific local operating or capital needs throughout the upcoming biennium. However, fiscal conservatives are raising severe alarms about the sheer volume of […]
- Record $1.1 Billion Transfer Approved for Prince William County Schools in FY2027 Budget
The Prince William County government has officially advanced a record-breaking $1.1 billion funding transfer to the local public school system for the upcoming fiscal year. This unprecedented financial commitment represents a 12.5 percent increase in department spending, adding $123.5 million over the previous year’s adopted budget. The massive allocation is driven by a longstanding revenue-sharin
- Fairfax County Adopts FY2027 Budget with Tax Rate Cut and Increased School Funding
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently adopted the comprehensive fiscal year 2027 budget, navigating a complex economic landscape characterized by rising property values and newly implemented revenue streams. The approved financial plan includes a slight reduction in the real estate tax rate, officially lowering it by a quarter-cent to $1.12 per $100 of assessed […]
- Runaway Medicaid Spending Threatens Virginia Budget and Taxpayer Wallets
The Ballooning Cost of Medicaid in Virginia The Commonwealth of Virginia is facing a massive financial hurdle as new budget figures reveal staggering growth in the state Medicaid program. Out of the $4.7 billion in net additional General Fund operating funding, approximately half is now consumed entirely by Medicaid expansion and related healthcare costs. This […]
- Loudoun County FY2027 Budget Allocates $28.5 Million for Employee Compensation and 188 New Positions
Major Investments in County Workforce Loudoun County officials are advancing a comprehensive fiscal plan for the upcoming year that heavily prioritizes workforce investment and service expansion. The proposed FY2027 budget allocates $28.5 million specifically for employee compensation increases across multiple departments. County Administrator Tim Hemstreet presented these financial adjustments as
- Virginia Budget Expands Universal School Meals with $17.6 Million Taxpayer Price Tag
Virginia lawmakers have approved a significant spending increase in the state budget, allocating $17.6 million from the General Fund across the biennium to expand school meal programs. The funding targets the Virginia Department of Education and Direct Aid to Public Education to increase reimbursement rates for school breakfasts. However, a primary goal of this multimillion-dollar […]
- Loudoun County Approves $5.4 Billion Budget for FY2027, Balancing Public Investments with Targeted Tax Relief
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors recently approved a comprehensive $5.4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027, prioritizing education, public safety, and affordable housing initiatives. This substantial financial plan fully funds a requested $105 million increase for Loudoun County Public Schools, bringing the district’s total operating budget to an unprecedented $2.1 billion. The budget was
- Virginia Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Massive Public Sector Compensation Hikes
Taxpayers in the Commonwealth of Virginia are once again being asked to shoulder the burden of expanding government payrolls as lawmakers push forward with aggressive compensation increases. A newly highlighted funding allocation directs $47.7 million toward raising wages for state employees, constitutional officers, and home healthcare workers. This multi-million-dollar expenditure represents jus
- Fairfax County Proposes $49.1 Million Increase in Personnel Services for FY 2027 Budget
Fairfax County is advancing a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year that includes a significant net increase of $49.1 million allocated specifically for personnel services. This funding adjustment primarily accounts for the full-year financial impact of newly hired positions that were initially added during the previous fiscal cycle. Local administrators have crafted this financial […]
- Virginia’s $770 Million Teacher Pay Hike Sparks Concerns Over Runaway State Spending
Virginia taxpayers are facing a massive financial burden as the state government commits an astonishing $770 million to fund a four percent salary increase for teachers in both fiscal years 2027 and 2028. This sweeping budget allocation doubles the original proposal made by the governor, raising serious concerns among fiscal conservatives about sustainable spending and […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Forced to Foot $150 Million Bill for Expiring Federal Healthcare Subsidies
The recent Virginia state budget negotiations have culminated in a massive taxpayer-funded bailout to cover the expiration of federal healthcare subsidies. Lawmakers ultimately approved a staggering $150 million to backfill the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, shifting a significant financial burden directly onto the shoulders of state residents. This massive expenditure stems from an initial Hou
- Taxpayers Foot the Bill: Virginia Allocates $25 Million for Private Employer Childcare Program
Virginia taxpayers are now on the hook for a newly established $25 million pilot program designed to heavily subsidize childcare benefits for private employers. The initiative, funded directly from the general fund and slated for fiscal year 2027, represents a massive expansion of state involvement in private sector compensation. Critics argue that this Employee Child […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Record Two Billion Dollar Education Spending Spree
The recently finalized fiscal year 2027 to 2028 biennium budget for the State of Virginia includes a staggering two billion dollar investment in new public education funding. A central component of this massive financial package is a mandated four percent salary increase for public school teachers and support staff in each of the next two […]
- Virginia General Assembly Pushes $79.1 Million Taxpayer Bailout to Cover Expiring Federal Healthcare Subsidies
Lawmakers in Richmond are pushing forward a massive spending initiative that will cost Virginia taxpayers tens of millions of dollars to prop up expiring federal healthcare subsidies. Budget Amendment Item 478 heavily impacts the state budget by allocating a staggering $79.1 million from the General Fund for fiscal year 2027 alone. This costly legislative measure […]
- Millions in Taxpayer Funds Funneled into Questionable James Madison University Renovation Project
Taxpayers in Virginia are facing another massive bill as state budget allocations for higher education continue to skyrocket without sufficient legislative oversight. James Madison University recently secured a staggering $30.5 million strictly for the renovation and furnishing of Johnston Hall on the historic Quad. This specific project is nested within a massive state budget allocation […]
- Virginia Enacts New Law Prohibiting Bribery to Influence Voter Registration
Virginia lawmakers have passed and enacted House Bill 113, a measure designed to strengthen protections against corruption in the state’s voter registration system. The bill, introduced in the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia House of Delegates, amends the Code of Virginia to address new offenses related to bribing individuals to register to vote. Delegate […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Shoulder the Burden as Lawmakers Push Costly State Employee Pay Raises
Virginia taxpayers are facing a massive financial commitment following the approval of a revised state budget that significantly expands government spending. Lawmakers recently finalized a spending plan that guarantees a 3.5 percent annual pay raise for state employees across the board for both fiscal years 2027 and 2028. This sweeping measure replaces a more modest […]
- Virginia Legislature Rejects Governor Youngkin’s Tax Cuts for Workers, Keeping Millions in State Coffers
The Virginia state legislature recently rejected a budget proposal from Governor Glenn Youngkin that would have provided significant tax relief to hard-working citizens across the commonwealth. By removing proposed state-specific income subtractions for tips, overtime pay, and motor vehicle loan interest, lawmakers effectively maintained a heavier tax burden on everyday workers. This decision funn